Set yourself on the path to a career as a music producer/sound engineer and gain the necessary skills and qualifications needed to progress to higher education.

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Key Information

Where can I study?
Bristol / Manchester / Plymouth
Start Date
September 2025
Study Modes
Full-Time
Course Length
1 Year
UK/Home Fees (Per Year)
£4,835

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Get UCAS codes

Course Overview

With creative and professional development at its core, our Music Production diploma will see you grow and refine your skills in studio and computer-based recording, production and mixing.

You’ll be introduced to the industry-standard DAWs, Logic Pro X and Ableton Live, working with a suite of software plugins as well as hardware mixing consoles and effects in our cutting-edge recording studios.

You will develop your understanding of a series of core skills including:

Studio recording and production
Sequencing and sound design
Music composition
Music/sound for visual media.

Alongside these practise-based sessions, you will expand your academic and entrepreneurial skills through a mixture of research, study skills, presentation and self-reflection. All of this experience will provide the perfect platform to progress onto an undergraduate degree, where you can continue to specialise in music production or explore more niche study areas in sound design or music and sound for screen.

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This course is delivered at dBs Institute. Taught and awarded by Access Creative College

This course is taught by the dBs Institute and awarded by Falmouth University

Course Details

The diploma is taught over 37 weeks and you will study 15 units, totalling 60 credits. Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes.

Year Overview

Year 1

Module Breakdown

During this one-year diploma, you will refine your skills as a music producer, both in and outside the studio. You’ll become adept at operating mixing consoles, hardware effects and instruments, and industry-standard DAWs, developing a keen understanding of how to record and mix music.

You will develop your academic skills while gaining a greater understanding of the music industry and channel all this experience into a final project.

The 15 units you study across the year will be grouped into four study areas that are delivered throughout the year.

Module Details

Unit Overview

Recording & Technology ‍

This study area will focus on teaching you the fundamentals of studio recording, music production and the applications of technology within music production.

You’ll familiarise yourself with the key recording tools and techniques and explore topics like multitrack recording, mixing and mastering,, as well as a multitude of music technology-based subjects; including analysing the types of hardware and software used in music production.

At the end of this strand, you will produce audio productions with supporting written reports.

Units included in this study area:

Studio Recording
Studio Mixing
Studio Mastering
Music Technology

Sequencing & Sound Design

‍For this study area, you’ll be working ‘in-the-box’ building your proficiency with Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) such as Logic Pro and Ableton Live, composition and editing tools, while developing your technique with audio sequencing, synthesis and MIDI. These lessons will culminate in the creation of a composition portfolio, synth patches and sample packs.

Units included in this study area:

MIDI & Audio Sequencing
Synthesis & Sampling

Production Practices

‍Here you will explore the world of music theory and develop your compositional skills. You’ll study chords, scales and modes, and broaden your understanding of creating sound for visual media.

You will then apply these compositional skills along with your synthesis and sound design skills in a visual media project.

Units included in this study area:

Music Theory in Practice
Composing Music
Music and Sound for Visual Media

Blended Learning

‍This final study area is all about developing your academic skills, preparing you for university and supporting the creation of your final project. With the support of your tutors, you’ll create a personal statement and UCAS application at the start of the academic year.

You’ll then turn your attention to essay planning and writing, grow your understanding of Harvard referencing and putting together bibliographies, as well as developing presentation skills.

Units included in this study area:

Core HE Study Skills 1 - Research
Core HE Study Skills 2 - Presentation and Reflection
HE Study and Digital Skills
Introduction to Critical Thinking
Final Project Planning and Practical

Year 2

Module Details

Year 3

Module Details

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How You'll Learn

You will get hands-on with hardware instruments and effects, develop your proficiency with multiple DAWs and software-based instruments and tools, as well as practical skills through interactive workshops.

You will learn to evaluate and improve your work through group tutorials, 1-2-1 reviews and self-evaluation. Regular learning will come from lectures and seminars.

On average you should allow for between 35 - 40 hours per week for your studies, 8 hours of which will be delivered onsite, 1.5 hours online, and 5 hours flexible for extra support should you need it. The remaining time is allotted to self-study.

In addition, your learning will be supported by:

Lectures and practical workshops
Online self-directed study
Group tutorials and 1-2-1 reviews
Access to studio facilities and bookable equipment
Use of library resources and study spaces
Access to supporting online resources including videos, reading and interactive activities

How to Apply

Applying for this course is easy! Simply click the "Apply" button below to submit your application directly through our website.
A member of our Admissions Team will then be in touch to discuss your suitability for the course, your interests and to arrange an interview.

Apply

Entry Requirements

Fees & Funding

A full guide to fees, eligibility and funding can be found in our guide to fees and funding.

UK & Home Fee Status Students

Tuition fees for 24-25 are TBC. Below are the course costs for 23-24 for reference.

Access to HE courses, 1 year, on campus

£4,835

‍

International Students

At this time, we are currently unable to accept international students on our on-campus Access to HE diploma courses.

EU students who hold settled or pre-settled status may qualify for the Advanced Learner Loan if:

‍You have settled or pre-settled status granted under the EU Settlement Scheme
You are an Irish national living in the UK or Republic of Ireland
You are a British national living in the EU/EEA or Switzerland

If none of these exceptions apply, you'll be classed as an international student and will not be eligible to study on-campus at dBs Institute.

‍

Advanced Learner Loan

To help with the costs of your course you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan. This is a loan provided by the UK Government through Student Finance England.

Head to the GOV.UK website to find out about Advanced Learner Loans and how to apply.

To apply for the Advanced Learner Loan you must be 19 or older on the first day of your course.

Eligibility for the Advanced Learner Loan is also determined by your nationality and residency status, please head to the eligibility page on the GOV.UK website for more information.

Please be aware that the Advanced Learner Loan will only cover your course fees, not your living costs.

‍

Repayment

How much you repay depends on your income. You will pay a percentage of your income over the threshold for your loan. The threshold and amount you repay is determined by when you take out your loan. For example:

If you receive an advanced learner loan for 2024/25 your yearly threshold will be £27,295. You will be required to repay 9% of your income over the threshold.

‍

Advanced Learner Loan ‘Write Off’

Student Finance England will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances you owe for an Access to HE course once you complete a Higher Education course. This means you do not have to repay it.

Year 3

Applications for undergraduate degrees are made through the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You can apply online through the UCAS website.

The equal consideration deadline for September 2025 entry applications is  29th January 2025.

Full how to apply guide

Register your interest

Entry Requirements

We consider all applications on their own individual merit and potential.

As a guide our typical offer at undergraduate level is 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points, primarily from Level 3 qualifications such as but not limited to A-levels, a BTEC/UAL Extended Diploma or a Foundation Diploma.

We welcome applications from all subject backgrounds, whether you’ve specialised in STEM, the arts or humanities. If you do not hold the minimum entry requirements but can demonstrate aptitude, enthusiasm and motivation you will be considered on an individual basis. Applicants who do not meet our typical offer guidelines may be invited to interview, where you will have the opportunity to discuss your experience and suitability for the course.

For applicants whose first language is not English, we accept a variety of English language tests and they are listed on Falmouth University's International Entry Requirements page.

If you don’t yet meet our undergraduate degree entry requirements, our Access to HE Diplomas offer a flexible and tailored route to prepare you for higher education.

Find out more about our Diploma courses

Fees & Funding

A full guide to fees, eligibility and funding can be found in our guide to fees and funding.

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. Therefore, tuition fees may rise in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

Uk & Home Status Students

Tuition fees from September 2025 for new UK and home fee status students starting in the academic year 2025-26.

BA(Hons) / BSc(Hons) courses, 3 years, on campus

£9,535

Channel Island & Isle of Man Students

Tuition fees from September 2023 for new UK and home fee status students starting in the academic year 2023-24.

BA(Hons) / BSc(Hons) courses, 3 years, on campus

£9,535

International Students

At this time, we are currently unable to accept international students on our on-campus undergraduate degree programmes.

EU students who hold settled or pre-settled status may qualify for home fees if:

‍

You have settled or pre-settled status granted under the EU Settlement Scheme
You are an Irish national living in the UK or Republic of Ireland
You are a British national living in the EU/EEA or Switzerland

‍

If none of these exceptions apply, you'll be classed as an international student and will not be eligible to study on-campus at dBs Institute.

Important: Students who are ordinarily resident in Wales should be aware that this course is not currently designated to receive statutory student funding support from the Welsh Government.

UCAS Codes

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‍Ready to make your application? You can apply online, via Falmouth University by clicking the button below.
‍

Apply now

Have a question?

To find out more about this course, get application advice and find out what funding is available, get in touch with our Admissions Team using our online form.

Register your interest

Entry Requirements

We welcome applicants with varied qualifications, but typically you'll need an undergraduate degree in a related discipline. Our typical applicants hold an undergraduate degree of 2:2 or above, or equivalent experience.

We'll also welcome your application if you have formal or 'certified' learning (such as training courses not run by universities or colleges) and learning from work experience or self-study. This is called Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL), and should have been gained within the last five years, and be equivalent to the learning outcomes of our minimum entry qualifications.

If English isn’t your first language, you'll need to demonstrate English language skills that are sufficiently developed for successful completion of your studies. We accept a range of recognised English language qualifications that are equivalent to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic minimum score of 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.

Fees & Funding

A full guide to fees, eligibility and funding can be found in our guide to fees and funding.

Uk & Home Status Students

Tuition fees from September 2025 for new UK and home fee status students starting in the academic year 2025-26.

MA(Hons), full-time, on campus, 1 year

£8,500

MA(Hons), part-time, on campus, 2 year

£4,250

MA(Hons), full-time, on campus, 1 year

£8,500

MA(Hons), part-time, on campus, 2 year

£4,250

MA(Hons), full-time, online, 1 year

£8,500

MA(Hons), part-time, online, 2 year

£4,250

Channel Island & Isle of Man Students

Tuition fees from September 2025 for new UK and home fee status students starting in the academic year 2025-26.

MA(Hons), full-time, on campus, 1 year

£8,500

MA(Hons), part-time, on campus, 2 year

£4,250

MA(Hons), full-time, on campus, 1 year

£8,500

MA(Hons), part-time, on campus, 2 year

£4,250

MA(Hons), full-time, online, 1 year

£8,500

MA(Hons), part-time, online, 2 year

£4,250

International Students

At this time, we are currently able to accept international students on our online postgraduate degree programmes only.

MA(Hons), full-time, online, 1 year

£8,500

MA(Hons), part-time, online, 2 year

£4,250

EU students who hold settled or pre-settled status may qualify for Home fees if:

You have settled or pre-settled status granted under the EU Settlement Scheme
You are an Irish national living in the UK or Republic of Ireland
You are a British national living in the EU/EEA or Switzerland

If none of these exceptions apply, you'll be classed as an international student and will not be eligible to study on-campus at dBs Institute.

Alumni Discount for dBs Institute graduates
‍
We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all dBs Institute undergraduate alumni.
‍
Continue your studies with up to 25% discount for postgraduate courses, even if you’re switching campus or subject specialism.

MA(Hons), full-time, on campus, 1 year

£8,500

MA(Hons), part-time, on campus, 2 year

£4,250

MA(Hons), full-time, on campus, 1 year

£8,500

MA(Hons), part-time, on campus, 2 year

£4,250

MA(Hons), full-time, online, 1 year

£8,500

MA(Hons), part-time, online, 2 year

£4,250

Important: Students who are ordinarily resident in Wales should be aware that this course is not currently designated to receive statutory student funding support from the Welsh Government for September 2026.

Year 3

Why Choose dBs

Why Choose dBs & ACC

Here at dBs Institute, we pride ourselves on creating a learning environment that reflects the industry that you want to work in. Our state-of-the-art facilities ensure that you are working on professional-grade equipment; our course leaders have years of industry experience to draw from and we foster a community of students and staff that inspires and encourages collaboration.
Throughout your studies and beyond, we will also provide you with career support and guidance to reach your future goals.

Facilities

Equipped with industry-standard facilities, as well as ground-breaking new technologies, our campuses have been meticulously designed to mirror the industry; giving you the ultimate environment to hone your skills, collaborate with creative professionals and learn from experts in the field.

Facilities

Manchester

A student performing vocals in the Neve live room

Bristol

Inside one of our Production Suites

Manchester

Hands-on with our Trident 68 mixing desk

Plymouth

The live room for our Neve Genesys suite

Manchester

The live room for our Neve Genesys Black pro suite

Plymouth

Our SSL AWS924 Delta mixing console

Bristol

Our API 1608 mixing console

Learn more about our facilities

Why Choose an Online Degree at dBs

Our online Master's degrees offer a high-quality, immersive, and community-driven learning experience, led by industry experts who are passionate about their craft. With 24/7 access to course materials and resources, you can learn at your own pace from anywhere in the world. Plus, our hands-on projects will equip you with practical skills necessary for a successful career in the music industry.

Flexible study

Enjoy the freedom to fit your learning around you. For online students, course content – other than one-to-one sessions – will be available to access whenever suits you.

dBs Online tutor kris burton sits in front of our API desk at dBs

Learn from the pros

You will learn from tutors whose expertise extends across production, composition, sound design, sound engineering, label management, marketing and promotion.

You’ll also have access to our extensive guest lecture programme, giving you the chance to meet leading industry professionals – ranging from respected producers and performers to specialist technical staff from world-class audio companies.

Industry Connections

As a student of this course, you will be encouraged to apply for placements and opportunities with dBs Pro, our in-house creative audio company.

This will allow you to further your experience and apply the skills you have been honing, as well as showcase your skills to clients and develop your creative own links in the industry.

What our students say

Who better to tell you about our course than students already doing the course? In this video, some of our latest cohort talk about their experience of the dBs online masters degrees.

What our
students say

Learn what makes dBs Institute so special from the people who matter most - our students!

Tutors

Jack Martin

Access to HE: Music Production module leader

Jack has spent over a decade working in studios across the country, collaborating with the likes of Ken Scott, Liam Payne and Tempa T.

Find out more

Matt Radley

Access to HE Pathway Manager

From metal guitarist to dance DJ and sound designer, Matt Radley has long been a source of inspiration and insight for our students

Find out more

Meet more of our tutors

Community Stories

Opportunities

Engaging with our industry

In our 20+ year history, we’ve built a strong network of contacts across the creative industries, that include AMS Neve, Solid State Logic, Avid and many more.

Find out more

Career support

We strive to equip our students with the skills and opportunities to secure roles across the creative industries, and this goal underpins the student experience at dBs Institute.

Find out more

dBs Pro

dBs Pro is a creative audio company with a difference - it’s dedicated to providing our students with real-world experience alongside their studies.

Find out more

Your Future Prospects

Having built experience in electronic music production, sound engineering, composition, sound for screen and mastering, you will possess a broad skill set that opens many potential career opportunities.

Here are just some of the pathways that you can embark on as a result of studying this course:

‍

Game Audio Implementer

Game Audio Implementers utilise creativity and logical thinking to design and manage the systems that bring sound to life and immerse the player.

Find out more

Foley Artist/Dubbing Mixer

Foley Artists and dubbing mixers bring film and television to life through the recording, editing and mixing of real world sounds, dialogue and sound effects to create an immersive viewing experience.

Find out more

Label Manager

Meet the business-savvy, big picture thinkers who guide musical releases from early planning stages into the marketplace.

Find out more

Music Therapist

Music Therapists combine compassion and creativity to help individuals overcome physical, emotional and social difficulties using music.

Find out more

Sound Artist

Storytellers, thinkers and pioneers of social change, Sound Artists use non-conventional methods of composition to create thought-provoking art that often exists in the physical world alongside the sonic realm.

Find out more

Studio Producer / Engineer

Commanders of the control room, Studio Engineers help transform musical moments into timeless masterpieces by facilitating the production of music and sound.

Find out more

More career options

Your Future Prospects

Two dBs students stand next to a flying speak stack in a festival

A string session been recored in a music hall

a female dBs tutor takes a lecture in our Dolby atmos room

A dBs student adjusting there synth sound

Learn more about our career services

Register your interest

Let's get started

Thinking about an undergraduate degree at dBs? Want to know more about our courses? We're excited to help you explore your options.

Simply fill out the form below and our dedicated admissions team will be in touch with all the information you need.

If you're ready to apply, you can also apply directly through UCAS.com

Please note that if you are an international student or require a visa to study in the UK you are only eligible to study our online courses.

Register your interest

If you’d like to find out more about our postgraduate courses, please fill in the form below. Once submitted, a member of our admissions team will be in touch to discuss our postgraduate course offerings and the next steps of the application process.

Please note, if you currently live outside of the UK and require a Tier 4 VISA to study in the United Kingdom, we are unable to accept your application for our on campus full-time or part-time postgraduate degree programmes. If this is the case, please apply for one of our online postgraduate courses instead.

Apply for our Access to HE Diploma

Let's get started

If you’re 19+ and aiming for higher education, our diplomas provide the essential qualifications and skills you need to progress confidently onto university courses. Whether it’s a career shift, skill enhancement, or pursuing a long-held passion, our

Access to HE Diplomas open doors.

To apply for our diplomas, please complete the application form below. Once we have received your information, our admissions team will contact you to arrange an interview.